How to Cut a Hole in Your Hood, for a Hood Stack - The Right Way.

So you've finally got your hood stack piping fabricated and installed, now comes the nerve-wracking part: cutting a hole in your brand-new hood 😬

NSB hood stack at SEMA 2024Your buddy grabs the hole saw and says, "Hold my beer," ready to slam your hood on to the piping to make an impression for a reference point..

Why you shouldn't do this:

  • Hood Angle and Geometry: Due to the hood's angle and the principles of geometry, the location of the hole will shift when the hood is fully closed.
  • Limited Access: This method only provides a reference from the inside of the hood. Hoods typically have two layers, it's better to cut from the outside inwards.
  • You want a clean, professional look. 

Here is the RIGHT way to get it done:

Step 1: Un-bolt and Remove Your Hood

Don't be lazy, take off your hood. Your buddy isn't doing much anyway, other than sipping his beer and cracking jokes. He can help you.

Step 2: Create a Cardboard Template

  • Take a rectangular piece of cardboard.
  • Cut a circular hole on one side using a exacto knife, to match the outer diameter of your hood stack piping.
  • Trim the cardboard to length so that it reaches a point on the windshield, a tad higher than where your hood will sit. This will allow you to pivot it up and down on to the hood stack piping.
  • Shape the cardboard to match the curvature of the windshield. This will help keep the cardboard from pivoting left and right.
  • Tape the cardboard to your windshield, on top and underneath, ensuring it pivots up and down freely. Make sure it is sturdy and hinges the same way every time. This is what you will use to mark your hole.

Step 3: Mount your Hood and Trace the Hole

  • Remove your hood stack piping. You will need to be able to close your hood all the way for this step. Make sure your hood is properly aligned!
  • With the hood back in place, pivot the cardboard template down, and trace the hole onto the hood's exterior.

Step 4: Drill a Pilot Hole, and Bring Out The Hole Saw

Marking and drilling a pilot hole will help big time. Make sure your hole saw is larger than your hood stack piping! Ex. for a 4" hood stack pipe, use a 5" hole saw. This will give you 1/2" of room on each side of the pipe.

Cutting the hole larger afterwards, would require using a mini reciprocating saw and carbide burr, as there would be no pilot hole for your bit to follow. Better to get it the perfect size, the first time!

DO NOT try to use a hole saw without a pilot bit! You will wreck your hood.

You may want to remove the hood again for this step, or you can drill on the spot if you feel comfortable with it.

Cut out the 2nd layer (underneath) of your hood larger than the exit hole that you used the hole saw for. We recommend doing this from the bottom, for a clean look. You may choose to use a grinder, if you are very careful. Be cautious that even just touching the grinder cutting wheel to the outer layer from the inside, can produce enough heat to bubble your paint.

Step 5: Re-mount your hood stack piping, and gently close your hood

If your hood stack piping is too tall, you will have binding issues with the hood.

Cut down your hood stack piping, to poke out roughly 1" above your hood. This will allow you to open and close the hood freely. 

Step 6: Finishing Touches

  • Edge Protection: After cutting the hole, consider installing a hood stack trim ring for a low-profile, clean finish. This not only enhances the appearance, but also protects the edges of the cut hood.
  • If you messed up alignment, slipped the hole saw, or had to cut out more than needed, you can always run a hood stack tip! Northspec Built Hood Stack Tips and Trim Rings have ID and OD measurements in the product descriptions, to help you find the best fit for your needs!

Shop Hood Stack Tips: https://northspecbuilt.com/collections/hood-stacks

Shop Trim Rings: https://northspecbuilt.com/collections/trim-rings

 

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